Senior Research Fellow(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)
Job Description
About the Role
The Sussex Energy Group, part of the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) within the University of Sussex Business School, invites applications for a Senior Research Fellow in Circular Economy / Material and Energy Use to work with Professor Matthew Lockwood.
This post is part of the newly established Production and Consumption Transformation (PACT) research centre, jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
The postholder will lead research into the institutional, political economy, policy, and regulatory challenges and opportunities involved in reducing material throughput and energy use in production, through circular economy and related strategies. The focus will be on selected industrial sectors such as automotive manufacturing and construction.
PACT aims to align the UK’s industrial strategy and resource consumption policies with its short- and long-term climate objectives. With 35% of project funding provided by DESNZ, this role offers the opportunity to engage directly with UK policymakers and deliver actionable insights that inform real policy change. The successful candidate will also collaborate with leading researchers from Lancaster, Leeds, and Sussex Universities.
About You
You will hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in geography, economics, political science, innovation studies, sustainability transitions, or a related discipline. Your expertise will focus on the political economy, policy, regulation, or business models of the circular economy and the reduction of materials and energy use in production.
You will demonstrate:
- Proven ability to work independently and to develop a coherent research agenda.
- Strong grounding in relevant social science theory, particularly around governance, institutions, and policy in industrial contexts.
- Excellent qualitative research skills, including fieldwork, interviewing, and data management.
- A strong record of academic communication, with evidence of delivering outputs to both academic and policy audiences.
- Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to research impact will be essential.
About the Business School
The University of Sussex Business School is a pioneering, research-driven, and interdisciplinary faculty, offering an inspiring environment for impactful scholarship in business, management, and policy.
Our five departments—Accounting and Finance, Strategy and Marketing, Management, Economics, and the renowned Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU)—are dedicated to advancing research excellence, influencing policy, and driving sustainable business solutions.
With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the School delivers education and research that make a difference locally and globally.
Why Work With Us
Located next to the South Downs National Park, our 150-acre campus provides a dynamic and welcoming environment. Staff enjoy:
- Excellent public transport links (Falmer station 5 minutes away).
- Cycle paths and participation in the Cycle to Work scheme.
- A diverse, supportive, and research-active academic community.
The University of Sussex is a globally recognised, research-intensive university committed to equality, diversity, and sustainability. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups in academia.k
Key Details
- Closing Date: 16 November 2025 at 3:59 pm
- Interview Date: To be confirmed
- Start Date: January 2026
- Contract Duration: Fixed term until 31 March 2029
Visa Sponsorship: This post has an eligible SOC code and meets salary requirements for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship (if full-time and appointed at Grade 7.4). See Skilled Worker Visa: your job – GOV.UK
